Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez

Maddy summaryHR 7310, the Flood Risk Transparency for Homebuyers Act, requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to disclose specific flood risk information when selling certain foreclosed properties. It mandates that HUD provide homebuyers with the estimated monthly flood insurance cost for the property's ZIP code and whether the property is classified as a "severe repetitive loss property" (a property that has flooded multiple times). The bill applies only to HUD-owned 1-to-4 unit residential properties in flood zones acquired through FHA-insured foreclosures. Additionally, HUD and FEMA must submit an annual report to Congress detailing flood insurance claims filed on these sold properties. This law aims to improve transparency about flood risks for buyers of these specific HUD properties.

Maddy summaryHR 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, creates new criminal penalties for individuals fleeing U.S. Border Patrol officers or assisting officers while operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border. It imposes prison terms of up to 2 years for basic offenses, 5-20 years if serious injury occurs, and 10 years to life if death results. People unlawfully in the U.S. who commit this offense become permanently ineligible for any legal status, including asylum. The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress on prosecutions and penalties related to this new offense.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (HRES 985) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Catholic schools during the 50th anniversary of National Catholic Schools Week. It acknowledges Catholic schools' contributions to education, diversity, and community values - highlighting their 1.7 million students, 98.9% high school graduation rate, and role in serving diverse communities - while applauding the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for organizing the event. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 975) is a symbolic recognition of the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter (ABC Florida East Coast). It honors the organization for its 55-year role representing merit shop construction contractors - firms that award projects based on open competition, not labor affiliation - and its work in providing free apprenticeship programs across Florida. The resolution specifically highlights ABC Florida East Coast as the state's largest apprenticeship provider, training nearly 700 annual apprentices in trades like plumbing and electrical work without student debt, while earning competitive wages ($59,000-$73,000). As a purely ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the group's contributions to Florida's infrastructure and construction workforce development.

Maddy summaryHR 3925 establishes a federal grant program to fund youth fishing projects in coastal and Great Lakes areas. The bill authorizes $2 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to eligible entities like nonprofits, schools, state/local governments, or Tribal organizations to cover equipment, transportation, licenses, and educational components for youth. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities, defined as groups facing systemic barriers due to race, disability, poverty, or inequality. Recipients must report annually on grant usage and participant numbers to Congress.

Maddy summaryHR 6946 establishes a Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide timely compensation for current and former military firefighters (including contractors) who develop illnesses due to PFAS exposure during their duties. The bill presumes PFAS exposure occurred if the firefighter worked at a military installation or National Guard facility during periods when PFAS was present, unless contradicted by substantial evidence. Survivors of affected firefighters - such as spouses, children, parents, or other relatives - receive compensation based on specific family relationships outlined in the bill. This fund, authorized for necessary funding, directly supports firefighters and their families impacted by PFAS-linked health issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to explicitly include "fuel for ocean-going vessels" in the definition of fossil fuel used for regulatory purposes. It directly affects ocean shipping companies and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as the EPA must create new regulations within one year to implement this change. The key provision expands existing Clean Air Act requirements to cover marine fuels, requiring the EPA to promulgate regulations and submit a report to Congress within 365 days of final rulemaking. The bill does not mandate specific fuel types but adjusts regulatory scope to include ocean vessels.

Maddy summaryHR 6573, the Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023, prohibits data brokers from selling, reselling, or sharing military servicemember lists to "covered nations" (as defined in federal law). It directly affects military members by preventing their personal information - contained in specialized lists created for compiling military service details - from being sold to specific foreign governments. The key mechanism bans the commercial transfer of these lists, with enforcement handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general. The law takes effect within one year of enactment or when the FTC issues final rules, whichever comes first. This is a concrete policy change targeting data brokers' practices, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution censures Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) for pulling a fire alarm during a critical House vote on federal funding in September 2023. It follows Bowman's guilty plea to violating D.C. law (section 22-1319) for falsely reporting a fire, which forced the evacuation of the Cannon Building and disrupted congressional business. The resolution requires Bowman to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure and formally accepts his $1,000 fine and apology letter as part of the disciplinary action. This is a procedural House disciplinary measure, not a policy change affecting constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHRES 911 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 5, 2023, commending María Corina Machado as Venezuela’s opposition candidate following her victory in a primary election. The resolution condemns Venezuela’s Maduro regime for invalidating the primary results, blocking Machado’s candidacy, and suppressing opposition efforts, while demanding free elections with international observers and the release of political prisoners. It specifically references the October 2023 primary - where over 2.4 million voters participated - as the basis for recognizing Machado as the opposition’s chosen candidate. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses U.S. support for democratic processes in Venezuela but does not enact new laws or policy changes.